Metro - Entertainment

US – Tuesday, February 9

The week's releases

Metro staff reviews the latest CDs, DVDs and books for your reading pleasure.

Best friends and aural illusionists

Despite their edgy rhythms and the shoe-gazey overtones, this is no urban outfit. The pair hails from Saratoga Springs in upstate New York where they first met in junior high. Such familiarity makes touring together easier, given such a long history.

Fixing a broken record

Over the last decade, Philadelphia has seen the emergence of small nonprofits — think Ars Nova Workshop and Bowerbird — that continue to develop emerging classical, experimental and jazz musicians. But until now, artists working in popular mediums had one, maybe two options: Do it yourself or … be Dr. Dog? That’s just one of the reasons Brian McTear launched Weathervane Music, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the careers of independent popular musicians.

John Travolta ruins a lovely trip to ‘Paris’

REVIEW. John Travolta is to “From Paris with Love” what Jar Jar Binks is to the “Star Wars” prequels: If only that one annoying character would get shot or vaporized, perhaps the marginally enjoyable flick would be saved. Too bad that in the case of “Paris,” Travolta is more than a lame CGI effect.

A split screen at Israeli film fest

A tense conflict recurs throughout many of the seven films that comprise this year’s Israeli Film Festival of Greater Philadelphia. But unlike the Israeli-Palestinian standoff that dominates headlines, the struggle in these films takes place over borders more philosophical than physical, a battle between orthodoxy and secularism.

Photo: BILL HEBERTDancing while the skinny lady sings

You’ve heard of the jukebox musical? David Parsons and singers AnnMarie Milazzo and Tyley Ross of the East Village Opera Co. offer a jukebox opera, playing nightly at the Joyce. Eleven Parsons dancers share the stage with Milazzo and Ross, who clutch microphones cranked to 11 and stroll through the action. On the recorded soundtrack, three drummers create a wall of sound so loud you — well, I — want to hide under the seat. Digital video of abstract patterns, natural landscapes and stunning architecture change for each song.

The Word

Stern: I’d do ‘Idol’ for $100M

Howard Stern took to his radio show yesterday to address the rumors that he’s a possible replacement for Simon Cowell for the next season of “American Idol.” To sum it up? He’s not going for it.

My Books

The facets of Anne Frank and her diary

Generations of schoolchildren have read and recognized their own experiences in the words of Anne Frank, finding surprising commonalities with this young girl despite the passage of generations and the unique horror of her situation. But according to Francine Prose’s fascinating new account of the writing of Frank’s diary, our veneration of her outpourings has eclipsed a proper assessment of Anne Frank — conscientious author.

My Entertainment

Under the covers with novelist Nicholas Sparks

With 15 best-selling novels and six film adaptations under his belt, Nicholas Sparks is one of the most successful writers working today — and he does sit down to work every day. The man behind “Dear John,” which beat “Avatar” for the No. 1 spot at the weekend box office, talks about making movies and making people cry.

Music

Now that’s the Spirit

At its core, Delta Spirit’s music conveys an underlying theme of humanity and social consciousness. And after meeting lead singer Matt Vasquez outside of Boston’s the Middle East last week, it’s apparent that he lives with the same compassion he sings about in his songs. While smoking outside the club, a familiar Central Square homeless woman approaches him to ask for change. He gives her a huge hug. “It can be hard out there,” he says. “I’ve been living in a car for three years now.”

Pre-game parties of the rich and famous

Ah, Super Bowl weekend — where there are cameras, parties and free gift rooms, there are sure to be celebrities. Here’s a smattering of who was seen out and about in Miami over the weekend.

Music

Carving out a Soft spot in your heart

In the geographical space between the Arctic Monkeys and the Monkees is where you might find the Soft Pack. Singer Matt Lamkin sounds like Ray Davies of the Kinks at times, and the band behind him plays classic short-haired rock ’n’ roll, resulting in songs that you might think you first heard on a “Nuggets” box set if you didn’t know they were brand new.

Movies

Channing Tatum on love and war

Channing Tatum has worked in his fair share of genres, from indie films (“A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints”) to dance flicks (“Step Up”) to blockbusters (“G.I. Joe”). In his latest, “Dear John,” the Alabama native takes on a heavy Nicholas Sparks love story about a soldier in love while at war. He talks with us about true love and blowing stuff up.

My Entertainment

THE WEEK THAT WAS

Metro’s expert newsologists sniff out the week’s media buffet in search of any nuggets of truth.

The Word

Barbie’s big career change

Everyone’s favorite curvy piece of plastic (and no, we’re not talking about you, Heidi Montag) is going to announce her 125th career at the New York Toy Fair on Feb. 12. For the first time ever, people can vote on the next job Barbie will tackle on her tiptoes at www.barbie.com.

Photo: GETTY IMAGESTop 5 romantic places to propose

You know she’s the only one you want to wake up next to every morning, or that he’s the one you want to spend ever after with. So you’ve bought the ring and prepared your speech, but where do you pop the question? These five amazing New York City spots will help set the mood for your perfect proposal.

The February MMMpod features conversation from Ozzy Osbourne. Michael Emerson from "Lost" tells us about his days enjoying punk rock in Boston. We also dig up an old interview from the late great Howard Zinn. We have a song from Delta Spirit and The Soft Pack, who tell us where they got their name.